Josh Coffman’s Top 10 Games of 2024

Jan 28

Josh shares his favorites from the year.

10. Remnant 2

Remnant 2 did everything that Destiny 2 should have done. The enviornments were dark and mystical with great reason to explore. Character design and skill selections were top notch. Plus the DLC added a bit more to a huge game already.

9. Transistor

From the same team who brought us Bastion, Transistor easily became an instant new favorite. Mystery, suspense, timeline based fighting!

8. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth

What do JRPG’s and Road trips have in common? Well, a lot, actually. Even though it is a common troupe, Infinite Wealth does it better by giving us Hawaii and just a dash of Japan. Fun in the sun with all the actives is the cure we all need.

7. Liar’s Bar

So a very simple game, but an instant favorite to play with friends. Pick your animal, chamber a round, and put on your best poker face as you lie through your teeth to survive.

6. HellDivers 2

Another great game to play with friends, while spreading liberty. Nothing like fighting off an invading force while protecting mankind. Plus, watching various things go boom and shenanigans are what’s best to have fun.

5. Silent Hill 2 Remake

Back to single player, we have had some pretty good remakes these past few years. Silent Hill 2 is another one on the list that keeps the atmosphere of the original and still adds on. Not only did I carefully have to tread every corner before walking out of a room, there are many times I would be blindsided by a silent creature. Which makes this one truly terrifying and in my top 5

4. Metaphor Refantazio

Another great JRPG added to the list, Metaphor Refantazio uses what makes the Persona franchise so good, and simplifies it into a compact version. From combat to daily activities, everything is easy to comprehend and still have a huge impact on the gameplay. The story is what is truly captivating and what made me want to learn more about their world.

3. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

If you haven’t noticed, I love JRPGs. And with FF7 being my 2nd favorite in the franchise, I had to pick up Rebirth. Every part of Rebirth is obviously a rehashing of disc 2 from the original, but does a great job retelling and giving us a whole new experience. 30 hours in and I was just barely past the golden saucer. I honestly enjoyed every moment and will come back for more with Part 3 on the horizon.

2. Nuclear Blaze

Indie games have been growing on me over the years, but Nuclear Blaze set my heart on fire. From the level designs, the fire mechanics, and new game + mode, the developer captured the best parts of a simple, but enjoyable profession. Plan on going back to play it again because it was that much fun!

1. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

I mean, I can’t believe that I’m about to write this, but Ubisoft released the best game of the year. I was hesitant at first (as one should be), but it reminded me so much of Metroid that I had to give it a try. I can’t pick a single thing of the game that I didn’t enjoy, except for the fact that Ubisoft had the tenacity to say it failed them. Seriously, combat is what we expect from the P.O.P. franchise, and they delivered. They gave us a phenomenal story to follow as we traverse through an evolving world centered around time. And, the map, is f*#@!+# perfection. Please give this team their respect and your money, as we need a sequel asap.

game of the year 2024Super Meat BoyStill Wakes the DeepReveilHelldivers 2BalatroChildren of the SunFrostpunk 2Prince of Persia The Lost CrownWhat Remains of Edith FinchPepper GrinderComics

Nick Coffman

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Nick Coffman is a co-founder and editor at Smashing Game Time. He is also a contributor to Hard Drive Magazine. When not failing miserably in Super Meat Boy, Nick can be found working on a screenplay or performing improv and sketch comedy on stage. You can follow him on Twitter.